Travelling Home for the Holidays? Some Tips to Remember
The excitement of the Christmas holidays is multiplied when you know you get to spend some well-earned quality time with family and your favourite friends. Living abroad in Singapore makes travelling to see loved ones a great way to bid farewell to the year and welcome the new one with open arms. If you are travelling home for the holidays, here are some things to keep in mind.
Be Mindful of Presents
The holiday season is the perfect time to spoil those around you. You can share something distinctive from your adoptive country while regaling the experiences you have enjoyed. Just make sure when you’re doing your Christmas shopping, you don’t accidentally purchase any restricted items. Although generosity is always appreciated, be careful to stay within the spending limit of items to declare at the airport, otherwise you could end up paying additional charges. If you need to get some last-minute gifts, you can always browse the shelves at Changi Airport’s innumerable duty-free shops.
Boost Your Defences
Unfortunately, spending a few hours on a plane with dozens of strangers is the ideal environment for spreading germs. The stress of travelling combined with the recirculated air can make you more vulnerable to viruses. To avoid spending the holidays in bed with a hot water bottle, strengthen your immune system with some vitamin C, zinc, garlic or Echinacea. If you’re really concerned, you can have a flu shot a few weeks before. Stay hydrated during the flight and always use hand sanitiser at the airport and on the plane.
Make a Schedule
While at home, you will need to find a balance between socialising and relaxing. You will probably want to catch up with friends as well as family so make sure you make time for everyone. Sometimes it is wiser to spend more time with your closer mates rather than spread yourself too thin by attending every Christmas party invitation.
Check Your Visa
There is nothing worse than planning a trip home from Singapore only to realise your visa needs to be renewed soon. Check that you and your family have the correct documentation in order or you could have problems trying to re-enter Singapore upon your return. Singapore allows you to renew work or dependant permits up to 6 months before they expire, so you will have plenty of time to take care of this. For further information, check the website of the Ministry of Manpower.
Talk to Your Neighbours
Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, but extra security is still a good idea. Let a friend or trusted neighbour know you will be away, so they can keep an eye on your home, perhaps collect your mail and let you know if something is out of place.
To find out more about Allied’s moving services, or to book a consultation, visit www.alliedpickfords.com.sg or call +65 6862 4700.
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